Despite decades of progress, modern slavery remains a silent crisis woven into our communities and economies. It is a pervasive, evolving crime that affects thousands across the UK today. Defined under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, it encompasses forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and criminal exploitation. Victims are often hidden in plain sight, working in behind the scenes for big corporations, in private homes, or even for local businesses.

The latest Home Office statistics show that cases continue to rise. Yet, we’ve seen time and time again that modern slavery is not just a law enforcement issue, it’s a societal challenge rooted in poverty, exclusion, harmful norms, and a lack of opportunity.

The lessons learned from two of our pioneering programmes, RAYS (Reconnecting Albanian Youth & Society) and REP (Refugee Employability Programme) offer a blueprint for how the UK can address these challenges holistically and at scale.

Changing the Narrative

One of the most powerful shifts achieved through RAYS was the deglamourisation of migration, particularly the mythologised image of life in the UK. By challenging idealised narratives that often fuelled risky journeys and left people vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation, RAYS helped reframe migration through a more realistic and rights-based lens.

In Albania, young people are often drawn to migration or criminal networks by myths of glamour and quick success, fuelled by social media and local narratives. RAYS tackled this head-on through creative campaigns, humour, and the arts, reaching over 3.7 million people. By working with youth councils and advocacy groups, the programme gave young people agency and voice, helping them see positive alternatives and build hope for their futures.

What does that mean for the UK? Harmful stereotypes and misinformation can obscure the realities of exploitation here as well, making awareness campaigns and community engagement just as critical at home as abroad. Campaigns, podcasts, and capacity-building sessions with practitioners can help shift attitudes, build trust, and encourage communities to recognise and report signs of modern slavery.

No Single Agency Can Do It Alone

A common thread between RAYS and REP was the emphasis on multi-agency collaboration. In Albania, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) model brought together social services, police, health, education, and local government to jointly assess and respond to youth at risk of serious and organised crime. This broke down barriers to communication, enabled faster interventions, and ensured that no child fell through the cracks.

Its effectiveness is clear: in the second year of operations, 88% of child protection cases were addressed using the MASH setup, far exceeding the target of 30% The approach was so successful that municipalities institutionalised it, continuing the work beyond the project’s end.

In the UK, similar joined-up approaches are essential.

REP, delivered by Palladium in Southeast England, shows the impact of holistic, person-centred support. Over 1,250 refugees (including victims of modern slavery) received tailored employment coaching, English language classes and community integration support. Notably, 36% of participants who spent at least a year on REP moved into work, with 74% securing full-time roles and 84% sustaining employment – impressive given the barriers faced.

“It’s not just creating CVs,” said one REP Case Manager about their process. “We talk about all the different things they need to integrate… participants have grown to trust me this way.”

REP’s approach - embedding case managers in communities and partnering with over 300 organisations and 400 employers - demonstrates the power of collaboration at scale.

Modern slavery is complex and overlapping, victims may need safe housing, mental health support, language training, and employment opportunities. By co-locating services and building trust with vulnerable people, agencies can front-load support, identify needs early, and create pathways to independence.

Addressing Root Causes

Both programmes highlight the importance of understanding why people become vulnerable to exploitation. RAYS’ research found that lack of opportunity, social exclusion, harmful gender norms, and weak institutional trust were key drivers. At the same time, REP’s work in the UK indicated that employment is often the first step to rebuilding lives, but it must be accompanied by nurturing environments and support for those traumatised by exploitative practices.

This means that interventions must go beyond rescue and enforcement. They must address poverty, exclusion, and the drivers of migration. Integration into local communities, building belonging, and supporting mental health are all critical.

And it’s not just the statistics that bear out. I’ve seen it first hand.The majority of people affected want to work, contribute, and rebuild their lives, they just need the right support to do so. Even for those who aren’t yet eligible to work because they are awaiting an asylum decision, there is a strong desire to give back to society and contribute in meaningful ways.

A fundamental lesson from both programmes is the need for continuous improvement. Data from support workers, partners, and service users should inform ongoing refinement of services. This not only improves outcomes for victims but also provides the Home Office and taxpayers with intelligence on where resources are needed most, and how organised crime is evolving.

Everyone’s Responsibility

Modern slavery is everywhere. It’s embedded in supply chains, gig economy jobs, and even the products we consume. It is not just a problem for migrants or refugees; British nationals, children and adults, are among those most affected, domestically. Every organisation, from multinationals to local businesses, must do their due diligence, check supply chains, and train staff to spot signs of exploitation.

Ultimately, tackling modern slavery benefits the whole of society.
It reduces the burden on public services, enables people to contribute economically, and upholds the UK’s legal and human rights obligations. Integration and support for victims is not just a moral imperative - it is a financial and social one.

The lessons from RAYS and REP are clear: multi-agency collaboration, community engagement, and a holistic, evidence-based approach can make a real difference. Modern slavery is always changing, but with joined-up action and a commitment to continuous improvement, I believe that we can lead the way in safeguarding vulnerable people and building a more just society for all.